ESPN

January 17, 2006, 3:18 PM

FLB: Diamondbacks Preview

Email Share

STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME Become an Insider Today

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN Fantasy Games

Though the 2005 Diamondbacks performed significantly better than the 2004 model -- their win total increased by 26 and they moved up three spots in the standings -- they did it with no more impressive a roster in pure fantasy terms. Improved defense was a big reason for the boost; the Diamondbacks improved from 29th (.977 fielding percentage) to fifth (.985), and they allowed 32 fewer unearned runs than they did in 2004.

Defense might seem irrelevant to the fantasy owner, but in certain circumstances, it matters. For instance, one of the reasons Brandon Webb was more effective in 2005 (14 wins, 1.258 WHIP) than 2004 (7, 1.505) was being able to trust his infield defense more. Remember, he's an extreme ground ball pitcher, with a major league-high 4.34 ground ball to fly ball ratio last season, so having slick-fielding Orlando Hudson and Craig Counsell playing behind him should help him be a lot more like last year's model in 2006.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider